Southampton secured all 3 points and some more breathing room from the bottom on Saturday in a close match that had a few nervy moments for the visitors.
The team played pretty well overall and felt in control for the majority of the match until the end where it appeared they ran out of gas a bit but held on to get all 3 points.
That could have been due to the extended period between matches but now they got the rust off and we look forward to Liverpool coming to St. Mary’s on Friday. But, before we can do that let us take a look at 3 key players for the Red and White from Saturday.
Pierre-Emili Hojbjerg
The Captain, was also the goal scoring hero on Saturday when he coolly finished a chance from close range following a Brighton turnover. The Dane did a little bit of everything Saturday afternoon from passing extremely accurately to gaining the ball back and making tackles to stop Brighton attacks.
What a player he has been this season and a shudder to think where we would be with not only his play but also his leadership and passion he brings week-in and week-out. I am looking forward to what he does on Friday in a match where the Saints could play spoiler to the Reds.
Oriol Romeu
The Spaniard had himself a solid match over the weekend and was a rock in the middle of the pitch for Hasenhuttl’s side. The midfielder had 4 interceptions in the match to go along with 4 aerial duels won and 10 recoveries.
Romeu has been one of the players who have flourished under Ralph and it has been a joy to see. His best performances looked like a thing of the past just earlier this season and the turnaround has been sensational.
Angus Gunn
Not a terribly busy afternoon for the young keeper but it was vital nonetheless. Earning yet another clean sheet to his name it proved vital he kept Brighton off the score sheet due to Southampton only managing to score 1 in the match.
Just watching his movement and how prepared he is to face shots you get a feeling that he puts himself in a position to stop most every shot he faces. He did get some help from the frame on a shot in the second half but we can look past that for right now.